Dogwood Show Features Home and Garden Exhibits, Sellers

Dogwood Show Features Home and Garden Exhibits, Sellers

Article excerpt

As guests enter the 120,000-square-foot show room in the
Knoxville Convention Center, they'll be greeted by what has become a
familiar sight at the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show.

Stuart Row, winner of last year's Grand Garden People's Choice
Award, has been showcasing his elaborate landscape designs for more
than 20 years at the annual show. This year's display, positioned
front and center, features a built-in grill that he's added to cater
to consumer trends. It's a strategy he believes keeps his business
thriving.

"Nice retail garden centers are becoming a thing of the past,"
Row said. "The big chain stores are taking over, so with that
creativity is gone, too. It's important for clients to see what a
company like mine can come in and do."

Row's award-winning display is just one of more than 200
commercial exhibits and vendors who have set up shop for the
weekend, attempting to attract potential customers. Attendees can
find everything from home-improvement ideas to fully equipped
kitchens, all under one roof.

This is the 35th year of the show. Dogwood Arts Marketing Manager
Erin Slocum is delighted with what it has turned into.

"We've been doing it here ever since the Convention Center was
built," Slocum said. "We are now completely booked with vendors and
don't even have enough room for everyone. It's great."

Slocum said last year's show drew approximately 19,800 visitors
over three days. She expects a similar crowd this year.

John and Dee Rottluff, who have recently moved to the Knoxville
area, came in search of ideas for their new home. …